6.B.(2) Staff report on Michiana Public Broadcasting project

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~.~. ~z> ~ ~ -SOU TH ~eF of ,v1~i1~,~~~~0 \'t" / i'1 Community & Economic Development ''~P>~~a2 ~~ , -~~,, -. 1865..-: 1200 County-City Building, 227 West Jefferson, South Bend, Indiana 46601-1830 Phone 574/235-9371 Fax 574/235-9021 To: From: Subject: Date: Redevelopment Commission Jennifer Laurent Staff Report, Michiana Public Broadcasting May 12, 2009 On December 8`I', 2008, the Commission approved a development agreement with Michiana Public Broadcasting (WNIT) advancing a concept for relocation of their studios from the cw1-ent facility in Elkhart to the WSBT building at 300 W Jefferson. A copy of this contract is included for your review. Our agn•eement specified that we would engage an architectural firm to create a budget and bid specifications for a renovated exterior and lobby. Upon confii7nation of private funding for their portion of the project, the Commission ~~~ould authorize the bidding and construction administration phase of the facade improvements, which would be overseen by the Board of Public Works as the Commission's agent. I"m pleased to report that significant progress has been made on our part as well as on the part of WNIT. Subsequent to your approval of the development agreement, the Commission approved a contract with the Troyer Group for the development of bid specifications, with a not to exceed cost of $21,000. This phase of the project is nearing completion. Meanwhile, WNIT"s successful capital campaign in tough economic times illustrates a high level of support in the community for the new facility. An impressive array of grant funds will be applied to equipment purchases as well, bringing the latest in broadcast technologies to our area. WNIT has secured bank financing to get the project underway without delay. To Commission re Troyer.doc What We Do Today Makes A Difference